Peanuts

Peanuts, also known as groundnuts, are a versatile ingredient used in various culinary traditions around the world. Despite being called nuts, peanuts are actually legumes and share more in common with beans and lentils in terms of their botanical classification. They are valued for their rich, nutty flavor and high protein content. Here's how peanuts are used in cooking:

Snacks and Appetizers

Roasted Peanuts: Often eaten as a snack, either salted or unsalted. They can be roasted in the shell or shelled.

Boiled Peanuts: A popular snack in some regions, especially in the Southern United States, where raw peanuts are boiled in salted water.

Sauces and Marinades

Peanut Sauce: Widely used in Southeast Asian and African cuisines, peanut sauce is made from ground peanuts or peanut butter, spices, and other flavorings. It's served with dishes like satay, spring rolls, and salads.

Marinades: Ground peanuts or peanut butter can be added to marinades to impart a nutty flavor and help tenderize meats.

Soups and Stews

African Peanut Stew: A hearty dish made with peanuts or peanut butter, vegetables, and sometimes chicken or beef, known for its rich and creamy texture.

Soups: Peanuts or peanut butter can be added to soups to thicken them and add flavor.

Desserts and Sweets

Peanut Brittle: A classic candy made by embedding peanuts in hard sugar candy.

Baked Goods: Peanuts are used in cookies, brownies, and cakes, either chopped as an ingredient or as a topping.

Ice Cream and Confections: Peanuts are often found in ice creams and chocolate confections, providing a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Main Dishes

Peanut Chicken: A dish where chicken is cooked with peanut sauce or garnished with roasted peanuts.

Stir-Fries: Peanuts are a common addition to stir-fries, particularly in Asian cuisine, adding crunch and flavor.

Salads

Thai Peanut Salad: A salad that features a peanut dressing made with ground peanuts or peanut butter, lime juice, fish sauce, and spices.

Garnish: Chopped peanuts are often used as a garnish on salads for added texture and flavor.

Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes

Peanut Tofu: Tofu cooked with peanut sauce, often found in vegan and vegetarian meals as a protein-rich dish.

Veggie Burgers: Ground peanuts or peanut butter can be used as a binding agent in veggie burgers, adding flavor and protein.

Grain and Pasta Dishes

Noodle Dishes: Peanuts are often added to noodle dishes, such as pad Thai, providing a crunchy contrast to the soft noodles.

When cooking with peanuts, it's important to consider potential allergies, as peanut allergies are common and can be severe. Peanuts can be used in their raw form, roasted, or as peanut butter, each form bringing a different texture and intensity of flavor to dishes. Their versatility and nutritional value make peanuts a popular ingredient in a wide range of culinary applications, from savory dishes to sweet treats.